**Mumbai Crime Branch Investigates Theft of INSAS Rifle and Ammunition**
The Mumbai Crime Branch is currently probing possible direct links between two brothers, Rakesh Dubbula (20) and Umesh Dubbula (25), who were recently arrested in connection with the theft of an INSAS rifle and ammunition from New Navy Nagar, Colaba.
Officials have indicated that the agency is likely to seek custody of the accused once again within the next 15 days. For this purpose, the Crime Branch will approach the court to request custody of the accused from jail.
**Possible Invocation of UAPA Charges**
Sources revealed that the Crime Branch is gathering evidence to invoke provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the accused. Investigating teams have also been dispatched outside Maharashtra, including to Kerala and Kochi’s INS Garuda base, as part of the ongoing probe.
**Rifle Stolen for Extortion and Dominance in Telangana Forests**
Preliminary investigations suggest that Umesh Dubbula intended to use the stolen rifle to establish dominance in the forests of Yellapalli near Asifabad, Telangana. The motive appears to be facilitating extortion activities in the area.
This region, historically rich in teakwood and tendua leaves since the British era, has long been a hub for illegal timber trade. It is located near the Raipur railway route, which is used for teak exports. Investigators suspect that the weapon was intended to threaten Public Works Department (PWD) contractors involved in road projects in the region.
At the same time, the police are probing possible Naxalite links, as the area has been under Naxal influence for many years. Evidence is being collected to determine whether the rifle theft was connected to supplying arms to insurgents.
**Arrest and Recovery**
The Dubulla brothers were apprehended within 48 hours of the theft from Asifabad in Telangana. The stolen INSAS rifle, 40 live cartridges, and three magazines were recovered from bushes near their residence, where the arms had been hidden.
Rakesh Dubbula is a serving Army jawan currently posted at INS Kochi. He was earlier stationed at INS Garuda in Mumbai in February 2024, which gave him familiarity with the Navy Nagar premises. His elder brother, Umesh, runs a liquor business in Telangana.
Police believe that the brothers intended to use the high-tech weapon to create terror in the forests and possibly collaborate with Naxal operatives for extortion activities in the region.
**Ongoing Investigation**
The case continues to be closely monitored by authorities, and the addition of UAPA charges against the accused is expected in the coming days.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-crime-branch-probes-dubulla-brothers-links-uapa-likely-to-be-invoked-seek-again-custody-within-15-days
